Category Archives: Process Choices

By Toni Nieuwhof on October 14, 2015There is a movement afoot. Many of the professionals involved in helping families through separation are trying to help steer people away from long, drawn-out and costly court battles. There is talk of the concept of ‘separating together’. There is the supposed oxymoron of the ‘peacemaking lawyer.’ There is the idea of achieving something better … Continue Reading

By Brian Galbraith on April 15, 2013Today’s guest blogger is writing about the 5 mistakes made by people who are in family court. While the advice is sound, it reinforces to me how undesirable it is to be in Family Court. It really is an awful experience. But, alas, if you are in Family Court, heed the following good advice… or … Continue Reading

By Brian Galbraith on March 2, 2013Trust is essential for every relationship and is often damaged when people are getting divorced. It can be damaged many different ways. An affair, a lie or a betrayal can damage trust. Trust may also be broken when people change and no longer understand each other. They just grow apart. In my life, I know … Continue Reading

By Brian Galbraith on March 12, 2012The other day the judge in Family Court said "We can’t consider "fairness" when deciding cases." I was shocked but then I realized that she is right. Family Court is about rules and process. Like cases are to be treated alike according to the law. The law is a set of principles that the judge uses … Continue Reading

By Brian Galbraith on July 18, 2011The Attorney General Chris Bentley, pictured on the left, announced that effective July 18, 2011, all new applicants to Family Court in Ontario must attend the Mandatory Information Program. This is a 2 hour program held at courthouses across the province explaining the Family Court process and alternatives. The intention of the program is to … Continue Reading

By Brian Galbraith on February 21, 2011Do you want to save money and get through your divorce with as little pain (financial and emotional) as possible? Okay… dumb question… everybody does. The challenge is "how?" "Negotiate" is the simple answer but how do you negotiate with someone you don’t trust, respect and can’t communicate well with? Some lucky few are able to negotiate on … Continue Reading

By Anne-Marie Langan on September 13, 2010One of the questions I am often asked by people who are seeing me for an initial consultation, particularly if their matter involves litigation, is “are you aggressive?” to which I always respond “No.” When people are involved in family court litigation their greatest fear is that the lawyer who represents their spouse will succeed at … Continue Reading

By Brian Galbraith on August 24, 2010Many people who are separating want to avoid paying legal fees as they feel they cannot afford a lawyer. While it is very understandable that people feel this way, as lawyers generally bill at a high hourly rate, there are some very good reasons why you should at the very least consult a lawyer if … Continue Reading

By Brian Galbraith on August 18, 2010Divorce sucks. It is a catastrophe in the lives of millions. It’s like having a fire rip through your home. The difference between a fire and a divorce is that you have always been able to get insurance to help recover from the economic loss. Now that’s changed! James Gross who writes for the Maryland … Continue Reading

By Brian Galbraith on April 28, 2010 My financial planner suggested to me that divorces are a better investment than weddings. “What are you talking about?” I asked curiously. She retorted “Well, as I see it, clients probably spend the same or more money on their weddings knowing full well that almost 50% end unhappily. On the other hand, divorces are … Continue Reading